2002 Detroit Auto Show

Volvo claims its XC90 is a vehicle designed for all types of roads, regardless of the surface or weather conditions. Its 64-inch-wide track and 112-inch wheelbase provides excellent stability, while its intelligent AWD system monitors the vehicle's contact with the road and assesses the driver's needs to reduce wheelspin and ensure reliable road grip. Base engine is a 210-hp/2.5-liter inline five-cylinder; upgrading to the twin-turbocharged 272-hp/2.9-liter T6 (the same engine found in Volvos S80) also adds a four-speed Geartronic auto transmission that adapts gear changes in relation to the driver's style. While not technically intended to be an off-road vehicle, Volvo promises the combination of electronically controlled four-wheel-drive and 8.6-inch ground clearance will help keep the XC90 going when the going gets tough.